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Scientists discover an ancient whale with a Pokémon face and a predator bite
- In 2019, Ross Dullard discovered the skull of Janjucetus dullardi, a new species of ancient razor-toothed whale, on Victoria's Surf Coast beach.
- The fossil was discovered in the Jan Juc Formation, a geological area from the Oligocene period approximately 23 to 30 million years in the past, known for important findings related to whale evolution.
- Scientists described Janjucetus dullardi as a juvenile mammalodontid species about the size of a dolphin, with large eyes and sharp slicing teeth, unlike modern baleen whales.
- Lead author Ruairidh Duncan described the creature as a small whale characterized by large eyes and sharp, blade-like teeth, while Erich Fitzgerald emphasized that this finding has revealed a previously unknown phase in the evolutionary history of whales.
- The find highlights Museums Victoria's collections' value and signals continued research and fossil discoveries that could further rewrite the story of early whale evolution in southeast Australia.
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99 Articles
99 Articles
Australian scientists have discovered the fossil of a predatory whale that roamed the seas 26 million years ago. The new species is called Janjucetus dullardi, and its fossil was discovered off the coast of the Australian state of Victoria. At first glance, it may seem cute due to its small size, but its sharp teeth designed for tearing indicate its danger.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources99
Leaning Left21Leaning Right16Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution36% Left, 36% Center
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
36% Center
L 36%
C 36%
R 28%
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